Author: Kris Gildersleeve

Town of Clermont

Town Board Meeting
March 4th, 2024

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, March 4th at the Town Hall. Those presents were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Councilwoman Brownson was not present.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7:00 with the Pledge of Allegiance Led by Supervisor Staats
2. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-
   • Approval of February meeting minutes, Motion to accept by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried
3. Written communications/Mail review

Clerk Report

• Total for General Fund $527.00
• NYS Ag&Mkts $10.00
• Columbia County Solid Waste $ 23.00
• Total report for February 2024 $560.00

Mail Review-NONE

Correspondence for Web Committee-NONE

4. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Bob -Highway report
   • New tractor -Arrived, Tyler, Adom and Pat are happy with it and it is working well. Motion made by Councilman Desmond to surplus the old tractor, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried
   • Lindsey-Playground committee hopeful to have a presentation to the board soon.
   • Kris-Allstate checked in to see how we are with the new printer-some concerns discussed and Kris will follow up.
     • State conference- Standout communications regarding solar farms and several communities voicing concern regarding large solar farms on thousands of acres of farmlands. Suggestion is to reach out to your local legislator. Town of Clermont does have restrictions in place.
     • Website Updates-Assessment documentation will be uploaded soon
   • Dawn-not present however she did provide a list of Donors via email for the Park Fundraiser. Supervisor Staats read the list of donors.
     • Chris Nolan requested to speak about the artifacts and that he would be conferencing with 2 members of the Tribal community.
5. Old Business
   • Columbia Greene Humane Society Boarding-Contract Received. Motion to accept the contract and approve signature was made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute and Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So Carried
   • Turkey Hill Road Repair-Estimated cost should be ~ $82,000 vs original estimate of $350,000. There will be a possible road closure needed for safety 3-4 wks. Possible Start in June when the weather is Dry.
   • Stahl Bridge/Pleasantvale Road Work will be started soon.
   • Park Update-Packet provided to Board with Estimated costs.
     • Seeds design did not provide estimated cost for spring clean up
     • Lehans provided full estimate

Motion made by Councilwoman Lusher Shute and Seconded by Supervisor Staats to accept Lehans estimated costs in the amount of $9675.00 for Park Maintenance services for 2024. Councilman Gildersleeve and Councilman Desmond Both abstained.

6. New Business
   • Comprehensive Plan meeting Monday, March 11th 7PM
   • RFP-Painting of Community House will be posted for Bids due April 1st. April 1st bids will be opened.
   • Updated Sexual Harassment policy received from Attorney. Resolution 40 of 2024 presented as updated policy. Motion to accept updated policy made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried
7. Supervisors Report-
   • Columbia County Solid Waste-Increase in Scale minimum to $20.00, Increased disposal fee for Tires, mattresses etc. New Fees are posted on Solid Waste website. May 4th is the next Hazardous Material Collection day.
8. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Prepaid General abstract #3A Vouchers #42-44 $541.13 By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilwoman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #3 Voucher #10-18 $121,748.80 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #3 Vouchers #45-73 $9,451.20 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in Favor. So carried.
9. Public Communication/Comments to Board-None

Motion to enter executive session at 8:02PM by Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried. No Further town business will be conducted after executive session. Motion to exit executive session at 8:13PM by Councilman Desmond, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried

Motion to adjourn at 8:14PM by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

Clermont Zoning Board of Appeals 

1795 Route 9

Germantown, New York 12526

February 28, 2024

The Clermont ZBA held its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. The meeting started with a salute to the flag. Members attending were Hank Himelright, Don Van Wagner, Lee Gallant, and Ben Peacock.

Hank Himelright asked if anyone had any additions, corrections or omissions to the minutes of the last meeting, January 24, 2024. A motion was made by Don Van Wagner, seconded by Lee Gallant, to approve the January 2024 minutes. All in favor. So carried.

Anna Mclellan, 324 Pleasantvale Road, Tax ID #120.-1-13.2, came before the Board seeking a 5’ variance for an access driveway. Martin Willms, representing the Applicant, stated the Clermont Highway Department has been consulted by the Applicant. Motion was made by Ben Peacock, seconded by Lee Gallant, to accept the application as presented. All in favor. So carried. Motion was made by Lee Gallant, seconded by Don Van Wagner, to schedule a Public Hearing for the March 27, 2024 meeting of the ZBA. All in favor. So carried.

With no other business, motion was made by Ben Peacock, seconded by Lee Gallant, to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:05pm.



Respectfully submitted,

Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

February 14, 2024

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Jennifer Phillips, Tom Jantzen, Ron Miller, Jesse Cutaia, Mary Howard, and Nathan Hempel. After review of the January 10, 2023 minutes, motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Ron Miller to approve the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

There was no old business.

Billy Cole, 9G North Storage, 3671 Route 9G, Tax ID # 190.-1-31, came before the Board with updates on the proposed site plan amendment for the previously approved storage units. Constructing 2 of the storage units as climate control and adding U-Haul Rentals are part of the proposed amendment. The Applicant will return next month with the revised site plan.

Dianne O’Neal came before the Board regarding merging 3 parcels. She was advised a new deed with descriptions will be required. She will confer with the surveyor of the property.

With no further business, a motion was made by Jennifer Phillips, seconded by Mary Howard, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber,
Secretary

Town of Clermont
Town Board Meeting
February 5th, 2024

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, February 5th at the Town Hall. Those presents were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute. Deputy Clerk Lee Gallant was Clerk of the meeting.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7:00 with the Pledge of Allegiance Led by Supervisor Staats

1. Presentation by Suzette Booy-Director of Real Property and Cheryl Kaszluga-Assessor for the Town of Clermont.
   • Update regarding process of revaluation-Last done in the Town of Clermont 2019
   • Last year the equalization rate at 75%, state indicates trending increase sales in area.
   • Inventory letters were sent out several months ago to assist with evaluation
   • Preliminary values will be mailed out ~ March 1st. This notice is an assessment disclosure notice, It will display hypothetical projected taxes for Town, County and School. Changes can be expected based on County and School rates.
   • Evaluation is to make sure that everyone is assessed fairly.
   • June 4th is the Board of Assessment review for Grievances-each resident is provided 10 minutes to present
2. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-
   • Approval of Organizational and January meeting minutes, Motion to accept by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor So Carried
3. Written communications/Mail review

Clerk Report

1. Total for General Fund $1496.63
2. NYS Ag&Mkts $11.00
3. Columbia County Solid Waste $ 90.00
4. Total report for January 2024 $1597.63

Mail Review-NONE

Correspondence for Web Committee-NONE

4. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Bob -Highway report
     • New tractor will be in soon
   • Lindsey-Playground meeting Sunday the 11th.
   • Kris-Nothing to report
   • Dawn-All 3 AED’s are in. Saved over $1650 dollars in sales. Possible to have some training/overview.
     • January 15th was the deadline for Bank of Greene County Grant. Submitted and we should hear in April with receipt of money in July.
     • Comp Plan will be submitted for $10,000 Grant
5. Old Business
   • Columbia Greene Humane Society Boarding-Will send contract
   • Turkey Hill Road Repair-Met with County Highway/Tyler and engineers. Will need to rent excavator for the project-County will present an estimate for the excavator and additional costs. County is very confident that it can be done, awaiting estimates and is expected soon and to come in less than originally expected. Work is hopeful to start May or June.
   • Park Donation-Thank you to Mary Shannon for last months donation-Next Month we will have a full list of donations
   • Sales Tax Revenue-4th quarter $156,986.00 just down slightly from last years 4th quarter. $620,108.00 for the year considerably more than budgeted. Help to fund our budget, no tax increase in Town for 15 Years. Spending local helps our Town.
   • Policy review-County will no longer review policies, reached out to attorney-He will review. County will do Sexual Harassment training.
   • Park Update-Pricing for Major spring cleanup, Starting April regular maintenance. Pricing increased. 30% increase over last year. Additional estimates are needed.
6. New Business
   • Resolution Review of Books for Tax Collector, Town Clerk, Supervisor and the Court- Motion made to approve Resolution 39 of 2024 to accept and approve the review of the Books by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilman Desmond. All in favor. So carried.
7. Supervisors Report-Nothing further than already discussed
8. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay Prepaid General abstract #2A Vouchers #14-16 $475.51 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #2 Voucher #2-9 $11,301.73 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Trust & Agency abstract #1 Voucher #1 $65.50 By Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay General abstract #2 Vouchers #17-41 $20,668.03 By Councilman Desmond Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

9. Public Communication/Comments to Board-None
   • Comprehensive Plan update by Mary Howard
     • Beginning work on Zoning updates -Hopefully done by July
     • Monthly meeting 2nd Monday

– Next meeting February 12th.

Motion to adjourn at 8:08PM by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk

CLERMONT PLANNING BOARD

January 10, 2024

The Clermont Planning Board held its regular meeting on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 7:30pm at the Town Hall. Those in attendance were Larry Saulpaugh, Jennifer Phillips, Tom Jantzen, Ron Miller, Jesse Cutaia, and Nathan Hempel. After review of the December 13, 2023 minutes, motion was made by Nathan Hempel, seconded by Jennifer Phillips to approve the minutes. All in favor. So carried.

There was no old business.

Dan Russell came before the Board seeking information regarding 2 lots which are separated by 1800’ but have the same tax ID #. He was referred to the County Real Property office for the process of obtaining a new Tax ID#.

With no further business, a motion was made byJesse Cutaia, seconded by Jennifer Phillips, to adjourn. All in favor. So carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:05pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Desiree M. Webber, Secretary

Town of Clermont
Town Board Meeting
January 2nd, 2024

The Clermont Town Board held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 at the Town Hall. Those presents were Supervisor Staats, Councilman Robert Desmond, Councilman Kris Gildersleeve, Councilwoman Dawn Brownson and Councilwoman Lindsey Lusher Shute.

1. Call Meeting to Order @7:30 PM immediately following the organizational meeting by Supervisor Staats
2. In attendance was Nina Fingar from Fingar insurance to answer questions regarding the increase cost of the insurance for the Town. The increase can be attributed to an increase in property coverage and inflation in cost of replacement materials.
3. Approval of prior Town Board Meeting Minutes-
   • Approval of November Minutes, Motion to accept by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor So Carried
   • Approval of Year end 2023 Minutes. Motion to accept by Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor So Carried
4. Written communications/Mail review

Clerk Report

• Total for General Fund $329.51
• NYS Ag&Mkts $7.00
• Columbia County Solid Waste $ 138.00
• Total report for December 2023 $474.51
• Mail Review-Keep Information of Seniors Safe (K.I.S.S)
  • Program Dates for 2024, March 11th-22nd, June 17th-June 28th, August 12th-August 23rd and November 18th-November 29th.
• New Transfer Station policy and costs
• NYS DOT – Response to request for speed Reduction Route 9 from current reduced speed to Town Line. Denied for both Clermont and Livingston.
• Web Committee-None

5. Vote on Comprehensive Plan-

Resolution 38-2024 Comprehensive Plan update and Negative declaration

• Motion made to adopt Comprehensive Plan Councilwoman Brownson, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute, Town Board polled. All in favor. So Carried.
• Councilwoman Lusher Shute-Thank you to all the participants that invested time into drafting this plan.
• Meetings will resume 2nd Monday of the Month Starting in February.

6. Committee Reports and Updates
   • Bob-Report on Highway department-
     • Significant Rain and Flooding handled by Highway department
   • Lindsey
     • Fundraising raised approximately $5400.00
     • Playground committee Clermont Plays did not have a meeting. Reviewing and comparing a couple of different companies
   • Dawn-
     • AED’s currently on sale additional $550 off bringing cost to $2085. Motion to purchase 2 additional for the added cost savings made by Councilman Gildersleeve, Seconded by Councilwoman Lusher Shute. All in Favor. So Carried
     • Bank of Greene County Grant due on the 18th.
   • Kris
     • Antivirus available from existing purchase from end of 2022

7. Old Business
   • Turkey Hill Road-Possibly to be completed by Intermunicipal agreement with the county
   • Park Donation-Thank you to Mary Howard for her matching donation. Additional donation received from Mary Helen Shannon.
     1. Bid Opening 11/9/23
     2. Project start March/2024
     3. Project completion November/2024
   • Stahl Bridge/Pleasantvale- Expected start time is spring with completion possibly in November of 2024.
8. Supervisors Report-
9. Motion To Pay Abstracts
   • Motion to pay General abstract #1 Vouchers #1-13 $25,200.44 By Councilman Gildersleeve Seconded by Councilwoman Brownson. All in Favor. So carried.
   • Motion to pay Highway abstract #1 Voucher #1 $4,567.79 By Councilwoman Lusher Shute Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve. All in Favor. So carried.

Public Communication/Comments to Board-None

Motion to adjourn at 8:26PM by Councilwoman Brownson Seconded by Councilman Gildersleeve All in Favor. So carried.

Respectfully submitted.
Tracey J Gallant
Town Clerk